10 questions to close the old year and welcome the new

I have always felt the turning of a new year very sharply. It brings such hope for continuing the good stuff and a sense of closure on things that weren’t so great. Every year I feel like it’s a fresh start and I enjoy choosing a word that reflects my purpose for the year ahead.

I’ll be putting my traditional ‘one word’ linky up on new year’s day from 12:01 am. Every year I look forward to reading about everyone’s dreams for a new year and it’s so nice for us to have one place to pool those dreams.

Traditionally, if I’m at home on new year’s eve I clean the house from top to bottom (clearly I am a raver), but for the third year in a row we will be away down the coast (not complaining!) so the dust will stay settled for a little while longer yet. I’m sure the dust is very happy about that.

Today, as we start to say goodbye to the year that was, I thought I would share ten questions I ponder as the old year draws to a close. These are the kinds of questions that help bring a sense of thoughtfulness to the year just gone and help solidify my dreams for the year ahead. I hope you find them as helpful as I do. I thought I would share my answers to help your own reflection – but skip to the end to copy and paste the questions into the comment box if you don’t want to read my ramblings!!

1. What word do you think best summed up 2014?

I was aiming for ‘pause’ and I think I mostly got it. I said no to a lot of things this year in order to add the pauses I honestly didn’t miss out on much at all. That said, the word ‘unsettled’ was another that seemed to be my thing this year. I stood on rocky feet all year and I’m still not entirely sure why. What I do know is that it was the pauses that allowed me to find my feet, the pauses that reminded me to stand with a grateful heart.

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences?

We finally cracked my son’s sleeping bad habits by being stronger. Good cop, good cop is no more and I am enjoying being a more consistent, more rigid, more powerful parent. In blogging terms, making the move to WordPress has changed the way I blog (hopefully for the better, but let’s see!!).

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How?

I need to learn to control my own bad temper before I rush to temper the children’s.

Blog-wise, while Heartfelt Living is what I aspire to at all times, it didn’t sit well with me to change my blog name from being outright “Maxabella Loves”, so I’ve returned to what feels right. I added the ‘edge’ to my tagline because, let’s face it, mine is very sharp and rather dangerous.

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special?

Dancing the flash mob with my family is easily my favourite moment. In a lifetime of joyous moments, I think this one topped the lot.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others?

How I am in the world is my own darn fault – there is no use pretending any differently. I’m owning it and changing it where necessary. I also learned that you can’t be responsible for the world, only yourself and those nearest and dearest. Keep them close.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year?

I am going to continue to say ‘no’ and continue to learn that I am happiest when life and social relationships are simple. Living a more ‘contained’ life has become very important to me. I don’t need to set the world on fire, I don’t even want to watch it burn.

8. What do you most want to do in 2015?

I’m looking for more inner-peace this year. I want to feel solid again.

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world?

More consistency, less haste. Less procrastinating, more finishing. Less difference, more understanding. More you, less me.

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015?

Aha! All will be revealed at a minute past midnight on 31.12 at the One Word linkythingamajig. Do join in anytime after that. You’ll no doubt be a little dusty, so I’ll keep the linky alive for a good week to help you play catch up. Happy new year’s eve in 3 more sleeps!

Please share answers to any of these questions in the comments (just copy and paste the questions!).I would love to hear where you are at right now and where you are headed next year…

1. What word do you think best summed up 2014?

2. What did you do for the first time this year?

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences?

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How?

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special?

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others?

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year?

8. What do you most want to do in 2015?

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world?

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015?

Comments

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences? My daughter being diagnosed with her eye condition (she needs glasses and surgery in the future)

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How? Paid for tradies to complete my entire bathroom renovation because then it would’ve been done in less than 4 months!

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special? My daughters first birthday party.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others? That I need to believe in myself as much as others do and stop doubting and second guessing my abilities. I’ve learned who my true friends are since having a baby.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year? I’m going to live in the moment more.

8. What do you most want to do in 2015? Have another baby.

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world? I want to learn to let things go so I get less frustrated by small things. I doubt I can do much to change the world, so I’m focusing on influencing my daughters world 🙂

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015? Grow – my family, my blog, my knowledge and watching my daughter grow.

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences? I lost a friend due to her lies and cheating ways. I also learnt that not everybody has to like everybody and thats ok.

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How? I wish I didn’t waste so much money!

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special? Our first child free weekend away was pretty special. First time in 5yrs. Also my Dad moving closer to me was a special moment.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others? I learnt to believe in myself and trust my abilities. 2014 also taught me that I can’t be friends with liars and cheaters. I don’t need that negativity in my life.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year? I will apply for new jobs.

8. What do you most want to do in 2015? A new job in Social Media

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world? I would want to improve my fitness but can’t see that happening! I can’t change the world.

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015? Success!!

I love this Bron, but no surprises there, your heartfelt nature is truly wonderful for me.

1. What word do you think best summed up 2014?

Testing. I really feel like the year has been there to test me, no big things just lots of instability and undermining. The good thing is all the shakiness has been like shaking a sieve, the gold coming to the surface and the dust falling away.

2. What did you do for the first time this year?

Spent a night without our youngest, it was weird and rushed.

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences?

I learned that I am too fragile for competition, which has made me completely rethink how I offer myself up, on and offline.

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How?

Yes I’d have stayed firm on letting a friendship die, so I wouldn’t be so confused by that person re-igniting it and then disappearing. I also wish I’d kept a lot of thoughts to myself, you can’t always trust people just because they preach kindness.

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special?

Every morning when I wake up to my loved ones sleepy faces, because it is what is truly important.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others?

That I should trust my gut again, it knows whether others are genuine of not. About others people are complex and rarely step outside their own head, but the ones that do are amazing people.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year?

It has bolstered me to do what I want and not care who likes it, I’ve gotten beyond the tiredness of trying to fit in and to acceptance of me.

8. What do you most want to do in 2015?

Learn to make jewellery

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world?

Nothing. and lots.

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015?

I’m not sure if it’s fragility, wisdom or just plain laziness, but I’ve long given up competing with anyone, even myself. It’s all a bit silly when you think about it. I’m not driven to ‘succeed’ in the traditional sense and I suspect you aren’t either. Success is knowing when enough is enough. x

This is a great way to reflect on the year gone and the year ahead. I’m going to sit down and give it a go and see what I come up with. I’ve never hear of having a word for the year but I sort of like it. Can’t wait to see what yours is, off to think on my own. Whatever it is, I hope your 2015 is awesome! xx

Love these questions and your answers Bron xx I am going along with kel and will take time to answer them on the blog this week. Will also link up for one little word ! Happy new year to you and yours. Xxxxx

Great post Bron. I love your questions. I’m going to have a little think about them before writing my answers, so will share with you soon. I love NYE mainly because its my birthday (woohoo) and fireworks are ignited in my honor, lol. Happy New Year xx

“New”. New house (for us), new location, new schools, new job (for The Husband), new outlook on what I want to do with my life.

2. What did you do for the first time this year?
Settled into living in the city/suburbs; got a PICC line; paper cutting and the subsequent Etsy store; started taking Vitamin supplements and realised they actually do help.

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences?
Moving to Melbourne. Changes in schools, jobs. lifestyles etc.

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How?
Not really. I am pretty happy with how things went this year (other than the long term hospitalisation earlier in the year).

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special?
I have a hopeless memory…
I think taking photos at a friend’s wedding and having everyone rave about them was a personal highlight. Also people liking my paper cut designs enough to buy them from me was amazing. Hearing my 8 year old say she would miss her friends over the summer holidays was music to my ears because at the start of the school year she knew no one at her school and the first 6 months were a hard slog.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others?
That new doesn’t mean bad and it is possible to relocate and actually be happy. That I worry about losing my Dad more than I care to admit (to myself). That there are decent doctors out there who aren’t interested in fat shaming, they just want to find out what is wrong with their patient and fix it, even if it takes 6 weeks in hospital to do that. I have also come to accept that something I wanted for 25 years isn’t necessarily something I should pursue. That sometimes walking away is the best thing to do. I also learned that sometimes the people you *think* are your friends, really aren’t. Hard times have a habit of revealing who really gives a shit and who doesn’t.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year?
I think I will be more confident in my own decisions. I will take less shit from other people.

8. What do you most want to do in 2015?
Expand my creativity. Hopefully make some $ from my creative endeavours.

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world?
Myself – my need to preserve connections with people who don’t really give a shit and can’t be bothered making an effort.
The World – promote wider acceptance of diversity (in all its shapes, sizes and colours).

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015?

This was surely one of your harder years, Bri, but what an ending. Your business is wonderful (my mum adores her paper cut of the ‘grandchildren tree’). I’m so glad it is all coming together for you. x

Oh, Bron! What questions of awesomeness you posed here. I need some thinking time to give the questions and the answers justice, can I answer them and blog them later this week? I already know the answer to number 5 though. This year I went to Disneyland and completed the Disneyland Half Marathon – it was a real life defining moment, gave me closure on my cancer journey and I got to high five Minnie Mouse as I crossed the finish line!

I love this post so much. As I say goodbye to a rather challenging year and try to be full of hope for another, I found these questions compelling to answer. Like others above, I would love to ponder them and blog about them with a link back here if that’s okay. I am really going to have to think about my word too. Here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful, peaceful and heartfelt new year. Much love, Sarah x

Drop a link in the comments, Sarah as I’d love to read your thoughts. I wish you an easier year ahead – I think many of us deserve a little break. Perhaps ‘rest’ is a good word? As in take one, ignore them, focus on and be grateful for. xxx

I was going to answer these questions and then I saw Kelly’s response – very clever, think I will borrow this approach too!

One thing I did learn with the ‘one word’ idea is that I had the wrong idea about ‘balance’. It doesn’t mean doing everything in a ‘complete’ life all at the same time (ie. fitness, friendships, interests, work, being there for kids and husband, having fun, etc, etc) – that’s not balanced but overloaded. So different approach next year. And I don’t have one word for next year – but two very short (5 word) mottos / principles – does that count? xx

words for 2014 were savour and nurture, savouring our baby’s childhood cause we really know how fast it goes, nurturing myself to survive. Like to knock it all up a notch next year though and rediscover Joy.

What a lovely way to finish the year! So much of what you said resonated with me, particularly making time for more pauses and less procrastinating and more finishing.

1. What word do you think best summed up 2014?
My word was ‘simple’ and I think along with ‘decisions’ both words really sum up my year.

2. What did you do for the first time this year?
This year I became a confident mother to both my two boys as well as their big sister and brother who are no longer with us. I finally allowed myself to drop some of the guilt which has been suffocating my heart for the better part of four years and start to recognise and celebrate our successes. I also made the decision to leave the security of my permanent position (albeit I had been on maternity leave for almost three years!) and begin taking steps to follow my dreams.

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences?
The two above events have had a profound impact on all of our lives, my self confidence is building and best of all I think I may finally be happy?!

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How?
We made the decision to undergo IVF towards the end of the year in the hope of adding to our family. Both cycles were unsuccessful and whilst I certainly don’t regret trying, the timing wasn’t right and I really struggled and took a few steps backwards during that time.

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special?
The afternoon Problogger finished, my husband and boys drove down to stay with me for the night. The four of us sat on the sand watching the waves rolling in as the sun set and in that moment I realised how incredibly lucky I am and felt content.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others?
I’m stronger than I thought and my happiness is in my hands, not others.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year?
I’ve let myself get caught up in too much and have stopped appreciating what I’m doing and who I’m doing it for. Learning to say ‘No’ more often and not feel guilty for doing so is one thing I want, rather need to start doing more of.

8. What do you most want to do in 2015?
Be happy.

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world?
I want to accept and be happy with who I am. As for the world? Where do I start?

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015?
I’m still trying to narrow it down to just one word. I want to be ‘present’ more, ‘appreciate’ and have more ‘purpose’ in 2015.

I love your answers you beautiful honest woman you. You also just provided me with fodder for my Wednesday blog post so thanks beautiful, I need to think about these answers for a little bit and take my time answering so I think they deserve a post of their own. I will link back to you then. Mwah xx

What amazing questions. I have just published my review of 2014 but it was great to also answer these questions. Here are my answers.

1. What word do you think best summed up 2014?
Connection – connecting with other like-minded women and expanding my networks

2. What did you do for the first time this year?
An interview for an online course around social media. I had never done this before so it was a bit nerve wracking but was great for my development.

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences?
The passing of my Granny. It really hit home for me that life is short and we need to do what we love and what makes us happy. She lived her life for others and didn’t look after herself enough.

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How?
Not that I can think of… I am pretty happy with 2014.

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special?
My son’s transiton visits at school were pretty special. Seeing him all grown up, making friends and being independent was pretty special, although it was sad at the same time. Looking at him and knowing that we have raised a very friendly, loving, caring, social young boy was a pretty good realisation.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others?
About myself – In order to grow you need to put yourself out there and not listen to the negative comments from others. About others – Not everyone will support what you are doing and what I learnt is that they don’t matter – find those that lift you up and support you and spend time surrounded by them.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the New Year?
I plan to spend my time with those that love and support me and not those who judge. I will continue to follow my passions and work towards achieving my goals.

8. What do you most want to do in 2015?
Something I am working on is to achieve a better work-life balance in 2015.

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world?
Less time on my phone procrastinating – setting regular times to write and blog and stay focused on this rather than getting distracted with other things.

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015?
Opportunity – seeking them out and making the most of opportunities that come my way

I look forward to seeing what your one word is for 2015.

Happy New Year and I look forward to reading more posts in the New Year!

Oh Bron, I am so glad to have found your blog this year. I do enjoy reading your humble but so wise words. You may feel unsettled but I think that is a factor of your self awareness which is much greater than the average bear. I think I need to come back to these questions…I think perhaps I need to live 2015 a little more mindfully instead of just responding to stimuli (I think that might be my word… or 3 words as it is, to sum up 2014 🙂

Such kind words, Nicole. Makes me feel happy for new year!! I think I lived a lot of 2014 “responding to stimuli” too. Bart reckons 2014 was all about treading water and we agreed that sometimes that’s all any of us have the energy for. At least it puts us in a good position to swim wellin 2015.

It’s always so fun popping in here. You think of so much great stuff. Happy New Year! xx

1. What word do you think best summed up 2014? Hectic. Creative. Full. (Oops, that was three)

2. What did you do for the first time this year? Started an online music business.Went to a conference. Presented in a community event. Ran a blog course. Made a film clip. Taught myself animation. Hosted a Creative Business Women’s High Tea.

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences? Hopefully The Quincys. Bringing together the north coast Creative women definitely brought good things.

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How? I wish I had been less grumpy with my husband, and children. When I get stressed, or overwhelmed I go into manager mode, and it’s not the best side of myself. I particularly regret getting mad and frustrated with my two-year-old when she cried. She’s just a baby.

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special? Filming the video clip in the rainforest was very special. Meeting my publisher was definitely a highlight. Oh and the Creative High Tea. Amazing.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others? I am a Do-er. I also have temper issues. I need to run otherwise I go a little crazy. I am not a very good sleeper any more.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year? As always, I will endeavour to be calmer, and more loving. I will take breaths when my daughter cries at night rather than getting frustrated. Or at least I will try to. I will make sure I run at least twice a week.

8. What do you most want to do in 2015? Spend more time at the lake, river and beach. I want to go camping!

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world? Myself – my anger issues and stress management. The World – more compassion, less self-focus and more social focus. A new Australian government, which values environment and people, rather than money.

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015? Consolidate.

You’ve had the BIGGEST (and brightest!) year, Zanni. Reading your list of accomplishments must make you feel so proud (and a little bit tired). I wish I had half your doing power. I am too much of a thinker and I really need to learn to just DO.

Happiest of New Years to you and your sweet family. A little bit of yelling is expected, Zanni. Kids are bloody exhausting and we just can’t be selfless ALL the time. x

Adversity – I have overcome some tough times in terms of my visa. Turns out 2015 will be just as bad so I will probably need strength this year.

2. What did you do for the first time this year?

Went on a road trip too, but through Canada – was the best time!

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences?

Just the visa thing – I am so ready for time to pass, which is not how I want to be living my life this year. Other than that – just really that we started to save for a house and that we decided to try to make babies this year.

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How?

Not really, things have happened that have been unfortunate, I made some mistakes with my visa application which cost me my work permit, but I haven’t regretted them.

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special?

Luke trying to make me laugh by brushing his face with a frothy toothbrush when I was feeling sad. No matter what, he always reminds me how blessed I am.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others?

That I am too impatient and that I need to learn to enjoy life, no matter what the struggle faced.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year?

I will not wish this year away, I will instead embrace everything that happens,

8. What do you most want to do in 2015?

Make babies and buy a house!

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world?

Myself: Become more independent.

The World: To care about each other more.

Fab challenge Bron! Thanks xxxx

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015?

What an amazing year it has been for you, Bron. So many achievements. I absolutely loved meeting you at Problogger although I was a wee bit too shy to have a normal conversation with you 🙂 I love what you’ve done with your blog name and tagline. I think it’s a perfect fit. Oh, I wish I could settle on one word for the year, but I never can. I like your tinkering theory, but I’m like Tinkerbell tinkering away at everything. On my last day of work this year, I had a very senior person talk down to me to the point that brought me to tears. This is not a first. It made me realise how unhappy I am in my job even though it’s secure and pays well and it is in communications which I love. I have ‘resolved’ to think hard about my future in this job. I’m tired of putting my happiness on the line. I want 2015 to be the year where I start doing more of what I love and not what I have to do. Anyway, thanks for the food for thought. Happy 2015 gorgeous lady x

Sometimes its it the work, it’s the culture. I always loved my job, but I never loved the corporate way of life. It didn’t seem right that life had to be so hierarchical in order to get the job done. So many small people with big power. Anyway, we digress. I hope 2015 is the year you sort it out, Renee. And give that bully a slap on your way out too! x

Love this post, and sorry I missed it first time around! I answered the questions over at Kelly’s house so I’m going to be lazy and say that if you’re interested, you can go there. But there’s enough reading to do here! x

[…] doing just this. One of the great blogs that I have come across in my blogging journey this year, Maxabella Loves, has come up with 10 great questions to ponder as the old year draws to a close. I really loved […]